Talking Sunderland with Boy Jumps Ship

Boy Jumps Ship discuss their beloved Sunderland to coincide with the release of their new single “Burn”.

How did you come to support Sunderland?

My uncle was a big Sunderland fan and often got tickets for games at Roker Park, so he’d always take me along. Plus I could see the ground from my bedroom! I wasn’t going to support anyone else.

What are your thoughts on the season so far? And what are your expectations for the rest of the season?

I really hope we survive. I know there are a few murmurs around Sunderland fans that going down could be good for us, so we can start afresh. But I’d disagree, I think them fans are just struggling with the fact that it might actually happen and we get relegated.

Do you think Sam Allardyce is doing a good job?

Yes. I was pretty underwhelmed when Big Sam came in and I still am. But he’s the first manager in a long, long while that Sunderland has had who has real Premier League experience. I think it is proving vital, especially if he gets us out of the sticky situation we are currently in.

Which areas of the team/squad would you like to see strengthened?

Big Sam seems to be trying to tighten up our defence, which we’ve desperately needed for a while. Stop the goals. Personally I feel it’s our right-back position that needs most work. I can’t remember the last full-back Sunderland have had who really ticks all the boxes both defensively and in attack.

Considering he had a horrid start to the season, Patrick Van Aanholt has been a real surprise. It’s great to see how he’s turned it around. I get the feeling he could become a real key player in years to come, maybe the full-back we’ve been looking for!

Have you managed to get to the ground much to watch them over the years?

Like I say, I have real distant memories of visiting Roker Park when I was young. But I had a season ticket for the first four seasons at the Stadium Of Light. I don’t get to go as often as I’d like now. Maybe a few times a season.

Would you be able to name the first, best and worst games you’ve ever been to?

First would be Sunderland v Oxford at Roker Park, we lost. If only I had realised nothing was going to change! Best has to be 4-1 v Chelsea in ’99 with ‘that’ half volley from Kevin Phillips. Worst has to be the Championship play-off final v Charlton at Wembley – that was a long train ride home.

Finally, if you had to select a five-a-side team out of all the players you’ve seen play for your team in your time as a fan, who would you pick?

We love a good cult player up here in Sunderland, so I am going for: Thomas Sørensen, Stanislav Varga, Lorik Cana, Allan Johnston, Djibril Cissé.